Mission Statement

The Pine Manor College Child Study Center’s primary mission is to provide a high quality education for preschoolers in the Chestnut Hill area and to offer a unique laboratory learning experience for Pine Manor College Students, in a context that welcomes diversity and encourages respect for appreciation of individual differences. This is accomplished by a professional team of educators who nurture and assess the children’s needs and offer a comprehensive curriculum to promote each child’s growth and development as an individual and as a member of the Child Study Center community.

Our Vision

The Pine Manor College Child Study Center (CSC), a preschool for children ages two years nine months up to Kindergarten age, was established in 1974. Pine Manor College is a private four-year liberal arts college whose mission is to empower a diverse student body to become accomplished, reflective, and confident leaders in their workplaces, families, and communities. The Child Study Center is designed to allow students who are enrolled in the college’s Education and Psychology programs to observe the preschool classrooms and apply what they are learning to their own studies. This quality preschool program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and serves as a model for student teachers. The student teachers have opportunities to learn from experienced early childhood professionals who directly supervise them at all times. The Pine Manor College Child Study Center was re-named in 1998 in honor of one of its Pine Manor College alumnae, Ann Pappajohn Vassiliou. Ann is the daughter of John and Mary Pappajohn who made a generous contribution to the Investing in Minds capital campaign. The Child Study Center is part of Pine Manor College and is a non-profit educational facility that does not discriminate on providing services to children and families on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, cultural heritage, political beliefs, marital status, disability or national origin. The center supports an anti-bias curriculum that encourages children to respect each other’s individual differences and welcomes diversity. The CSC is committed to welcoming children and families.

The primary mission of the CSC is to provide an exemplary early childhood program which is comprehensive in presenting curriculum in the areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Technology, History and Social Science, Health Education, and Education in the Arts. The classrooms are designed with different learning centers for children to explore and learn at their own pace. These learning centers include a science area, an art room, a writing center, sensory tables, a quiet library, and a busy block and dramatic play area. Quality care means providing a safe, warm, nurturing environment as well as encouraging growth and development by offering a stimulating, enriched curriculum. The teachers constantly assess the children’s needs and observe their progress. The curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of all of the children. One of the goals of the program is to foster social and emotional growth. Children learn to share with others, take turns, respect and show concern for classmates. Other goals include developing fine motor, gross motor, and self reliance, listening, and speaking skills. The children learn through discovery and materials are introduced with a hands-on approach. The curriculum is presented as a theme and is evident throughout the classroom. For example, the theme might be Family. The block area would have figures available for pretend play of families, the water table might have dolls to wash, students might be asked to bring in photographs of their own family, and group discussions would focus on families. The books would include literature on different kinds of families. The themes would change depending on the children’s interest level. If they really enjoy a theme, the teachers would extend it for another week or two. Activities are planned and teachers interact with the children guiding them through exploratory play and discovery.

Organizational Structure

The Child Study Center is staffed by licensed early childhood professionals including the director, lead teachers, teachers, and assistant teachers. Work-study students, student interns and practicum students all work under the supervision of a lead teacher. The program is licensed by the MA Department of Education’s Dept. of Early Education and Care (EEC). Our licensor from EEC is Lori O'Brien, LSW and she may be contacted at:
The Department of Early Education and Care
Large Group and School Age Licensor
1250 Hancock Street, Suite 120-S
Quincy, Ma 02169
(p)617-979-8628
(f) 617-472-2722

Joyce Stavis-Zak our licensor from the licensing team at the Brookline Department of Public Health located at 11 Pierce St. in Brookline, MA 02445 may be reached at 617 730-2300 x2297. You may contact EEC for a licensing regulations compliance history. Pine Manor College Child Study Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and follows the Massachusetts Board of Education’s Early Childhood Program Guidelines as well as the NAEYC Program Standards and Accreditation Criteria.

The CSC maintains an appropriate staff-child ratio and group size throughout the day including outdoor time to facilitate developmentally appropriate practice, to facilitate adult-child interaction and constructive activity among children. The teaching staff-child ratios include only paid employees and do not include college students or volunteers. These ratios are maintained during all hours of operation including fieldtrips. The program is organized and staffed to minimize the number of transitions and every attempt is made to maintain continuity of relationships between teaching staff and children and among groups of children.

The teacher to student ratio is 1 to 8 at the CSC. The state’s licensing requirement is 1: 10, but we prefer a smaller group size and more individualized attention for each child.
The youngest group of children ages 2 years, 9 months up to about 3 ½ yrs. has 16 children with 2 teachers. The next group is 3 ½ to age 4, with one teacher and a maximum of 8 children. The oldest group is 4-5 yr. olds with 16 students and 2 teachers.

Intake Procedure

Parents are encouraged to tour the facility and meet with the Director to discuss the program’s philosophy, goals, and needs of the family. An application is submitted by the parents, followed by an enrollment contract. There is a rolling admission process, filling openings throughout the year as they arise. Parents must pay a $500 deposit to secure their child’s placement. This deposit is applied to the first tuition payment. Children are encouraged to visit their classroom and meet their teachers prior to starting. Upon enrollment, all enrollment forms including an immunization record must be submitted to the Director of the Child Study Center.

Parent Conferences

The staff will be available for individual conferences with parents at parental request any time during the year. Parent conferences will be scheduled at least every six months to discuss the child’s progress. Conferences provide an opportunity for families to become involved in planning and they provide the opportunity to communicate assessment information.

Parent-Teacher Communication

Parents and/or caregivers are encouraged to speak to the teachers daily at drop off and pick up times. If a family has a question after leaving the CSC, they may email the Director, call the office, or call the classroom teachers directly during school hours. Parents are also encouraged to share ideas and suggestions to their classroom teachers or to the Room Parents. Room parents are volunteers who assist the teachers with parent-teacher communication. Room parents meet with the teachers, learn about the curriculum theme for the upcoming weeks, receive book lists from the teachers and gather plans for special activities. The room parents write a brief class newsletter with details of the upcoming week(s) plans and they email it to all parents of the children in the class. If a child’s family does not speak English, this email will be forwarded to the college’s English Language Institute staff to be translated and then sent to the family in a language they can understand. The Director writes a monthly newsletter and communicates enrollment news, upcoming activities, and any policy updates to all the families in the Child Study Center. Daily notes are posted in each classroom listing activities, snack menus, and free play details. Occasionally teachers will send personal notes home to give specific details about a particular class project. Injury reports are always given to families if a child is hurt or injured while at school. We strive to communicate daily with each family and give as much information as possible to enhance the parent/child/teacher relationship.

Assessment

The CSC will prepare a written progress report at least every 6 months for each child in the center’s program. This report will be maintained in the child’s records in the CSC office. The center will provide a copy of each report to the parent(s) or guardians and will meet with them at least every six months to discuss their child’s activities and participation. The Creative Curriculum for Preschoolers will be the assessment tool used by the CSC staff. Children will be observed in the classroom during the six month period and checklists will be completed before writing each evaluation. The assessment will be used to guide the teachers with appropriate curriculum planning and to gauge the effectiveness of current practices. Each child will be assessed to target individual goals and recognize accomplishments and interests. Any developmental delays will be discussed with the parents or guardians as well as all the results from the assessment. Referrals for additional services will be made if the teachers identify significant delays. Results will be shared with the parents to involve families in planning and implementing the goals and strategies identified by the staff.

Parent Input

The CSC encourages parents to participate in the development of the program and the classroom activities. Parents may voice their opinions to the Director or report any grievances to the Director.

Parent Visits

The center permits and encourages unannounced and announced visits to the program. Sometimes the class goes for walks around the college campus and other times there are scheduled activities off site such as Puddlestompers, an outdoor exploration program. A visit during this time would prevent parents from seeing the classroom activities. Parents are welcome to join us both in the class or outside. They are also welcome to observe the Puddlestompers class. We take field trips sometimes and enjoy the company and help from parent chaperones. Each year parents are invited in December to visit the classroom and share a holiday tradition with their child’s class. The parent may choose to tell a story, read a book about the holiday, do an activity, or show us some photos or articles of clothing pertinent to the holiday. We have a very diverse population at the CSC and we embrace all of the different cultures and traditions.

Fieldtrips

The CSC director and teachers try to plan two fieldtrips per year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Families are informed of the trips in newsletters and email notices. Permission slips are required and all parents are invited to chaperone. A school bus with seat belts is hired by the Director and all children are transported by bus unless a parent chooses to drive their own child. Each child is given a name tag or necklace to wear stating the name of our group, Pine Manor College Child Study Center, and one of the staff member’s cell phone numbers. All chaperones are given the director’s cell phone number and instructed to call if there is an emergency. All chaperones are requested to bring their cell phones. In the event of an off-site medical emergency, the child would be transported to the hospital nearest to the site of the fieldtrip. The director would call the emergency contact person(s) and the Lead Teacher would accompany the child to the hospital. First Aid supplies, diapering supplies, and drinking water will be brought on the fieldtrip by the CSC staff. Alternate transportation would be provided by the bus company if there is a problem with the vehicle used during the trip.

Transitions

The first transition a child experiences at the CSC is the one from home to preschool. Families are encouraged to visit the program prior to their child’s first day and introduce the child to his or her teachers, show them where their cubby will be, and spend some time both in the classroom and out on the playground. On the first day enrolled, parents are welcome to visit with their child for as long as they feel their child needs them. Some children will jump right into playing and quickly say goodbye to their parents. Others may feel quite anxious or cry at the first signs of the parent’s departure. We recommend that you prepare your child for your exit by explaining that you will be leaving after 2 more pushes on the swing, for example, and be sure to tell them you will be back to pick them up (after rest time or maybe after playground time).

Transitions between activities occur throughout the day. A child may be greeted by his or her teachers on the playground, transition indoors to the cubby area to hang up coats, transition to the bathroom to wash hands, then on to snack, once again to circle time, and from there to a curriculum activity and free play. The staff will assist the children between activities and ensure they are safe, predictable, unhurried, and will be flexible if a transition needs to take more time than expected.

Another type of transition occurs when a child moves from one classroom to another. We typically transition children in September, but occasionally a child may change classrooms mid-year depending on available openings and the child’s developmental progress. If your child is being transitioned to another classroom, the teachers or director will meet with the parents, discuss the reasons for the move, the time frame for the transition, and will arrange a visit for the child in the new classroom. The child will be invited to join circle time and participate in snack and a curriculum activity.

With all transitions, the staff will attempt to assist the child in a way he or she can understand. The staff will also share information with the next program with parent’s permission. Often times Kindergarten programs ask for written evaluations by the preschool teachers. The CSC staff will cooperate and complete these evaluations upon parental request.

A few days prior to a child leaving the Child Study Center, the staff will prepare the child for termination. The teacher(s) will speak to the child and other children in the class and give simple reasons for the termination. For example, he/she is going to move or is going to another school. If a child’s departure from the CSC is sudden, and there has not been an opportunity to say good-bye, a note will be written by the teacher or director to the family with an invitation for the child and parent to come to visit the CSC in the near future. We feel closure is very important for children. By speaking with them a few days prior to the transition, the staff answer questions and often help the children adjust by talking about feelings and help prepare them for what might be new or different at their next school or child care placement.

Behavior Management Policy

Children who are disruptive to the classroom are reminded by their teachers of the classroom rules. Some examples of these rules are; no running inside, no hitting, kicking, or hurting another person, use inside voices in the classroom, and please take turns when there is only one of something. If a child is displaying difficulty in following the rules, a teacher will speak to the child and offer to re-direct the child to another area of the classroom. The teacher will follow through with removing the child from the situation if it is potentially harmful to the child, the other children, or the staff. For instance, if a child threatened to throw a wooden block, the teacher would intervene immediately with a warning and then remove the child from the block area if the child continued to threaten to throw blocks. Children are never physically restrained, but a supportive hold may be used if the child’s safety is at risk, the safety of other children or adults is at risk, or the child demonstrates a sustained behavior that is highly disruptive and/or upsetting to other children. A supportive hold will only be used when all other possible interventions have been attempted. The teachers most often escort a child from one learning center area to another by taking the child’s hand. The teachers speak calmly and explain to the child why they are being removed from an area, then state the expectation for returning to the desired learning center area. The CSC staff set reasonable expectations, offer choices and provide the opportunity for children to verbalize their feelings. Corporal punishment, severe punishment such as humiliation, verbal or physical abuse, or neglect would never be used to discipline a child. Children are never deprived of snacks or meals, nor are they ever force fed. A child is never scolded or disciplined for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet, nor are they forced to remain in soiled clothing or forced to remain on the toilet. Children are simply changed when wet or soiled and teachers try to remind the children frequently to use the “potty.” Praise is used to reinforce positive behavior. At the beginning of the school year children are encouraged to help participate in establishing the classroom rules. The teachers write the rules on a large tablet at circle time and review the rules during small group time.

Individual Health Plans

The CSC will maintain as part of a child’s record, an individual health care plan for each child with a chronic medical condition, which as been diagnosed by a licensed health care practitioner. The plan must describe the chronic condition, its symptoms, any medial treatment that may be necessary while the child is in care, the potential side effects of that treatment, and the potential consequences to the child’s health if the treatment is not administered. Our staff may administer routine, scheduled medication or treatment to the children with a chronic medical condition in accordance with written parental consent and licensed health care practitioner authorization. The staff member administering treatment must be trained by the child’s health care practitioner, or with his/her written consent, given by the child’s parent or the CSC’s health consultant. If any unanticipated administration of medication is given or unanticipated treatment for a non-life-threatening condition is performed, the staff member or Director will try to contact the parent(s) prior to administering such unanticipated medication or treatment. All medication administration is documented by the staff and a written parental consent form must be completed.

Referral Services Policy

The following procedures will be used by the Child Study Center staff to refer parents and guardians to the appropriate social, mental health, educational and medical services for their child(ren):

When any staff member has concerns about a child’s behavior or development and believes that further evaluation is necessary, the staff member will discuss the issues with the Director.

The child’s teacher and the Director will observe and evaluate the child and will review the child’s record prior to making a referral.

A meeting will be scheduled with parents to discuss the concerns and to make the appropriate referral.

At this meeting, the parent will be given a written statement; including the reason for recommending a referral for additional services, a summary of the staff’s observations related to the referral, and efforts the Center may have to accommodate the child’s needs.

If needed, the Director will offer assistance to the child’s parents in making the referral. With the parent’s written permission, the Director will contact and follow up with the referral agency. If it is determined that the child is not in need or is ineligible to receive services from this agency, the Center will review the child’s progress every three months to evaluate if another referral is necessary.

Termination and Suspension Policy

The CSC will make every effort to work with families to avoid suspension or termination, where appropriate. When a child is terminated from the CSC, whether at the initiative of the CSC or the parents, the CSC will make every effort to prepare the child for departure in a manner that is developmentally appropriate.

A child may be suspended or terminated from the Child Study Center (“CSC”) for several different reasons. Failure by parents to cooperate with CSC policies and requirements is grounds for termination. A child may be terminated if the parent or guardian fails to pay tuition.

If a parent or guardian does not abide by the Department of Early Education and Care requirements and fails to have their child properly immunized, screened for lead poisoning, or fails to bring their child to the doctor for an annual physical exam, the child may be suspended until such requirement is fulfilled. A child may be suspended after two notices of delinquency in keeping their child’s health records up to date. If a child has not had a physical exam in over a year, the Director will notify the parent in writing. If the parent fails to schedule an appointment with the child’s doctor, a second notice will be sent. If the parent fails to respond to the second notice, the Director may choose to suspend the child until the physical exam is completed and the record is brought to the CSC office. The same policy applies for certain delinquent immunization and lead screenings. The Health Care Consultant may recommend that the Director suspend a child immediately in cases where the child may pose a health or safety risk to others or to him or herself by being around other children while improperly immunized.

Any child who bites another child may be terminated. The CSC reserves the right to terminate and the Director has sole discretion in this matter in order to protect the children’s health and safety.

A child may also be terminated when the CSC is unable to safely meet the needs of the child and/or the parent. All efforts will be made to avoid suspension and/or termination of children whenever possible. To avoid suspension and termination of children due to challenging behavior, the Director and the child’s teacher will meet with the parent(s) or guardian(s) to try to identify and resolve the problem(s) and to discuss options other than suspension or termination. The staff will develop a behavioral intervention plan to be implemented at home and at the CSC. Referrals for further evaluation, diagnostic, and/or therapeutic services will be provided by the Director. If the parent does not follow through on the referral or if the problems continue to disrupt the child’s class, termination may be necessary. A date and time will be arranged for a second parent conference to review the progress. The CSC will pursue consultation and training for the staff. Every effort will be made by the staff to accommodate the families needs and to prevent termination. Decisions to terminate will be at the sole discretion of the Director.

The Director will inform the parent of the availability of information and referral for other child care services through the Child Care Resource Center in Cambridge, MA. A current list of referral resources in the Chestnut Hill area will be maintained in the Child Study Center office.

Nutrition

Nut Free Environment

The Child Study Center provides a morning snack consisting of a choice of water or 100% Fruit Juice along with fresh fruit and crackers or other bread products. Parents donate the snacks for most of the year. The CSC provides the snack at the beginning of the year before arranging a snack donation calendar with the families. Snacks are served at approximately 9:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Lunch is brought by any child staying after 12:00 noon. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that children receive milk, a food from the bread group, at least two fruits or vegetables, and some protein for lunch. Some children will eat sandwiches; others prefer their meats and cheeses separate from their bread. Hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt, and string cheese are among the favorite foods of preschoolers. Try packing a little salad or fresh veggie sticks instead of other less nutritious side dishes. We encourage children to try all of their lunch and pack up the remains to be discarded at home so parents know what they did not eat. Water is available from a cooler in the classroom at all times. If you forget to pack a lunch, the teachers will notify you as soon as possible. If necessary, the teachers will provide a lunch from the Pine Manor College cafeteria at the cost of $7.00 to be charged to the parent. All foods and beverages brought from home must be labeled with the child’s name and the date. Families need to make sure the staff is informed when food requires refrigeration. The CSC is a nut free environment. Please do not send in any foods with nuts or foods processed in a factory with nuts. Just the smell of peanut butter can cause an allergic reaction for some students. If you are bringing snack for the children to share, please remember we require whole fruits or commercially prepared packaged foods in factory-sealed containers. The CSC staff do no offer children younger than four years these foods: hot dogs, whole or sliced into rounds; whole grapes; popcorn; raw peas; hard pretzels; chunks of raw carrots; or meat larger than can be swallowed whole. Staff members do not serve nuts or peanut butter to any of the children in the CSC.

Nap Time

Nap time at the CSC is between 12:45 and 1:45 p.m. Children who stay for an extended day or a full day will eat lunch, brush their teeth, and transition to a mat provided by the CSC. Families are asked to provide a crib sheet to cover the mats and also a pillow and a blanket. These should be labeled with the child’s name. These linens are sent home bi-weekly to be laundered. The upstairs and downstairs classes are combined during nap time and all mats are arranged on the first floor in the block area, the sensory table area, the library, and if necessary in the front room where the mats are stored. All children are expected to rest for a minimum of 45 minutes with non-sleepers given the opportunity to listen to quiet music and read books. If children are asleep, they will not be disturbed unless a parent requests a particular wake up time. Mats are spaced at least two feet apart and the children’s faces are at least three feet apart. Children who awaken early or do not sleep may use the Library area of the classroom for quiet activities. A rest period is also offered during free play times for those children who are in attendance for four hours or less. The loft, reading areas, and the library area are places that children may retreat to for quiet play.

Smoke Free Environment

The Child Study Center, the playground, and the grounds surrounding the building are entirely smoke free. No smoking is permitted in the presence of children.

Prevention of Abuse and Neglect

The Child Study Center protects children from abuse and neglect while in the program’s care and custody. All staff members are mandated reporters and shall report suspected child abuse or neglect. The Director will train the staff in a workshop, teaching them how to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect and how to document any concerns. The staff shall report to the Director who will file a 51 A report with the Department of Social Services. The Director will notify the Department of Early Education and Care(EEC) and the Director of Human Resources of Pine Manor College immediately after filing a 51A report or learning that a 51A report has been filed, alleging abuse or neglect of a child while in the care of the program or during a program related activity. The CSC Director after consultation with Human Resources will immediately suspend any staff member suspected of abuse or neglect until a complete investigation has been conducted. The staff member will not be allowed to work directly with children until the Department of Social Services investigation is completed and the EEC office notifies the Director that the staff member may return to work.

Research

The Pine Manor College Child Study Center is considered a Lab School. This means that Pine Manor College students may observe the children and discuss their observations in their college classes related to the CSC, in Psychology or Education courses. Parents give written permission upon enrolling for the Pine Manor College students to observe for educational purposes. None of this research is published or used outside of the college environment.

Children with Disabilities

The Pine Manor College Child Study Center accepts applications from all children, including any child with a disability. A parental consent request form must be completed to share information with any local education agencies, early intervention programs, and health/service providers. The parents must meet with the Director prior to enrollment to develop a plan for the child. This plan will identify in writing accommodations that the center agrees to make for the child. These may include a change or modification in the child’s participation, the size of the group to which the child is assigned and staff/child ratios may be modified, and any special equipment, materials, ramps, or aids should be identified. The center agrees to notify parents within (30) days of receipt of information if accommodations cause undue burden. This notice will include reasons for decision and the center will maintain a copy of such notice in the child’s record. In making a determination regarding acceptance of a child with a disability, the center will consider the nature and cost, the ability to secure funding, financial resources, the number of persons employed, and the effect on expenses, resources and other areas impacted. With parental permission, the Lead Teacher assigned to the disabled child will participate in the development and review of the child’s individual education plan. With parental permission, the Director will inform the administrator of the special education office in writing regarding the Child Study Center’s ability to serve the child with special needs.

Emergency Health Care and Illness Exclusion

Emergency Procedures

In a medical emergency, the Director or Lead Teacher on duty will call an ambulance by dialing 9-911. The child will be transported to Children’s Hospital in Boston on Longwood Avenue. The child’s teacher will accompany him or her to the hospital and the Director will try to contact the parents or guardians by phone to have them meet the ambulance at the hospital. The teacher will take a copy of the authorization and consent form to the hospital.

If the parent cannot be reached, the three emergency contacts listed on the child’s first aid and emergency medical care consent form will be contacted. If none of those emergency contacts are available, the Director will take appropriate action as recommended by the hospital, police, E.M.T., or consulting medical staff.

Procedure for an off-site emergency is the same as on-site emergency except that 911 will be called from the town in which the field trip is taking place. The child will be transported to the nearest hospital and will be accompanied by his or her teacher. The field trip permissions slips will designate the hospital to be used in the event of an off-site emergency. The emergency cared information form will designate appropriate emergency contact people to be called.

Emergency Preparedness

In case of fire, all children will be evacuated from the building and will meet next to the fire box on the grassy area across the street from the main entrance of the Child Study Center. If fire fighters evacuate the building, all children will remain inside the Pine Manor College gym located next to Ellsworth Hall. Emergency forms will be brought to the gym by the teachers and parents will be notified. Campus Safety will be contacted to assist in the children’s departure.

In the event of evacuation from the campus, Campus Safety will supervise the opening of the Woodland Road gate. Parents will be instructed to approach the CSC via Woodland Rd. and to park alongside the playground.

In the event of evacuation of a specific area within the city, PMC is on of the designated evacuation sites due to the availability of dining and overnight facilities. In the event that children must remain on campus for an extended period, appropriate arrangements will be made for children to remain either at the CSC or another appropriate site on campus with familiar staff until parents can reach them.

Immunizations

All children in the program must be immunized against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and HIB and Hepatitis B. Children with asthma or those who are immune suppressed should receive influenza vaccine every year. One dose of varicella vaccine, or a physician-certified reliable history of chicken pox, will be required for all children attending the CSC.

CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT PROPERLY IMMUNIZED WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE PINE MANOR COLLEGE CHILD STUDY CENTER.

Criteria for excluding an ill or infected child from and early childhood program: (adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics committee on Infectious Diseases, Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases Red Book)

Chicken pox, for five days after the onset of the rash or when all lesions have dried and crusted whichever is later.

Diarrhea (more than the child’s normal number of stools, with increased stool water or decrease form) that is not contained by diapers or controlled by toilet use, or stools that contain blood and /or mucus.

Head lice, a no nit policy will be enforced at the center. If a child is found to have any nits or lice, he or she will be sent home immediately.

Hepatitis A virus infection, for 1 week after onset of illness and jaundice, if any, has disappeared or until immune serum globulin has been administered to appropriate children and staff in the program within two weeks of exposure, as directed by the health department.

Impetigo, for 24 hours after treatment is begun.

Measles, for 4 days after the rash appears.

Mouth sores in a child who cannot control his or her saliva, unless the child’s physician or local health department states the child is non-infectious.

Mumps, for 9 days after onset of gland swelling.

Pertussis, until 5 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy has been completed.

Pinworm infection, for 24 hours after treatment was begun.

Purulent conjunctivitis (pink or red conjunctiva with yellow eye discharge, often with matted eyelids after sleep, and eye pain or redness of the eyelids or skin surrounding the eye), for 24 hours after treatment was begun.

Rash with fever or behavior change, until a physician has determined that the illness is not a communicable disease.

Ringworm infection, until after treatment is begun.

Rubella, for 7 days after the rash appears.

Scabies, until after treatment has been completed.

Strep throat, for 24 hours after treatment is begun and the child has had a normal temperature for 24 hours.

Tuberculosis, until the child’s physician or local health department authority states the child is non-infectious.

Vomiting twice or more in the previous 24 hours, unless the vomiting is determined to be due to a non-communicable condition and the child is not in danger of dehydration.

Minor Illnesses

Children need to be excluded for minor illnesses when they are too sick to participate comfortably in program activities; they need more care than the staffing level allows or they have unusual lethargy, irritability, persistent crying, or difficulty breathing. Parents or guardians should notify the CSC staff when their child will be absent from school. They may call the classroom directly. If a child becomes ill while at school, they will be excluded from the rest of the group of children. They will be given the opportunity to rest on a mat, be given water, and a staff member will monitor them while waiting for the parent or guardian or emergency contact person to arrive. The Director or Teacher will notify the parents as soon as possible once the child has been identified as having a fever of 100 or above or notes that the child is not feeling well enough to participate in school activities.

Health Care Policy Request

Upon request, a copy of the full health care policy will be issued to parents. A copy of this policy is posted in the office for all staff and parents to refer to at any time.

Toileting and Diapering

Children who wear diapers will be changed on a regular basis, before going outside, before rest time, and after rest time upon awakening. Children who wear diapers or pull-ups are checked at least every 2 hours for signs of wetness or a soiled diaper or pull-up. The frequency and amount of diaper changes will depend on the number of hours the child is in our care, but certainly whenever the diaper is soiled or wet or if the child requests to be changed. Parents should keep a supply of diapers or pull-ups and a supply of wipes in a plastic container clearly labeled with the child’s name at the CSC. For children who require cloth diapers, the diaper must have an absorbent inner lining completely contained within an outer-covering made of waterproof material that prevents the escape of feces and urine. The diaper and outer covering are changed as a unit. Children who are being toilet trained should have plenty of extra clothes in their cubbies. Cloth diapers and clothing that are soiled by urine or feces are immediately placed in a plastic bag (without rinsing or avoidable handling) and are sent home that day for laundering. Parents are encouraged to speak to their child’s teacher before beginning toilet training so we can coordinate when to start training at the CSC. Children who use the toilet will be reminded before nap and before they go outside to use the bathroom. Children who have just started using the toilet may be reminded more frequently. We encourage independence with toileting issues and teach the children to wipe, flush, dress, and wash by themselves. Teachers supervise the bathroom and help the children if they are having difficulty. Overalls, snaps, belt buckles, and tights can be cumbersome for children learning to dress by themselves. We suggest pants with elastic waist bands for the new potty user. Teachers use disposable gloves whenever changing a child. After removing the gloves, teachers wash their hands. Paper is used on top of a mat to change each child. This paper is disposed of and new paper is added for each change. At all times, staff will have a hand on a child when the child is being changed on an elevated surface. Some children may be changed while standing. All children will be changed in the classroom bathrooms on or next to the changing table. The changing area is separated by a wall at lest three feet from other areas that children use and is used exclusively for one designated group of children.

Medication Procedures

Prescription

Written parental authorization is given indicating that the medication is for the specified child.

The signed parental consent form must be dated and the parent must indicate what time of day the medication is to be given, the amount of medication, and the number of days.

For prescription medication, a physician’s written order is required. The original label on the medication must indicated that the medicine is for the specified child, dosage amount, and the number of times per day and the number of days the medication is to be administered.

The CSC staff will not administer any medication contrary to the directions on the original container unless so authorized by a written order of the child’s physician.

All medication on the CSC premises will be stored in the original container with the child’s name on the label, name of drug, and directions for its administration and storage.

The CSC will maintain a written record of the administration of any medication, prescription or non-prescription, to each child which includes the time and date of each administration, the dosage, the name of staff member administering the medication and the name of the child. The completed record shall be made part of the child’s file. This does not apply to topical non-prescription medications, which are not applied to open wounds, rashes, or broken skin.

All medications shall be kept out of reach of children and under proper conditions for sanitation, preservation, security and safety. In our center, medications will be stored in the kitchen refrigerator if refrigeration is required. Otherwise, they will be stored in a box labeled, medication, in the kitchen cupboard for the downstairs classroom. The upstairs classroom will store medication in a box in the locked hall closet.

Non-Prescription

The staff will not administer non-prescription medication without a written order from a physician. The physician may give a standing order listing the medication(s), dosage and criteria for administration. This order will be valid for no more than one year from the date it was signed.

The CSC may accept a written parent authorization for specific non-prescription topical medications to be administered and the criteria for administration. This statement shall be valid for no more than one year from the date it was signed.

Topical medications such as petroleum jelly, antibacterial ointments, and diaper rash ointments which are applied to wounds, rashes, or broken skin must be stored in the original container, labeled with the child’s name, and used only for an individual child.

Topical medications such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and other ointments which are not applied to open wounds, rashes, or broken skin may be generally administered to children with parental authorization. Parents are encouraged to apply sunscreen with UVB and UVA protection with an SPF of 15 or higher before bringing them to the CSC. Staff will re-apply the sunscreen if asked to do so with written permission. Insect repellent will only be applied once per day by staff and only repellent’s containing DEET should be used. The use of insect repellent also requires written parental permission.

Confidentiality and Distribution of Records

Information contained in a child’s record shall be privileged and confidential.

All children’s files will be stored in the office of the CSC. The office will be locked when the Director is not present. All material in each child’s file will be kept confidential and the only authorized personnel who have access to the files are the CSC teachers and Director. The center shall not distribute or release information in a child’s record to anyone not directly related to implementing the program plan for the child without the written consent of the child’s parent(s). The staff shall notify the parent(s) if a child’s record is subpoenaed.

The child’s parent(s) shall, upon request, have access to his child’s record at reasonable times. In no event shall such access be delayed more than two business days after the initial request without the consent of the child’s parent(s). Upon such request for access, the child’s entire record shall be made available, regardless of the physical location of its parts.

The Director shall upon written parental request, duplicate information from the specific child’s record. A permanent written log in each child’s record shall be maintained indicating any time a child’s record has been released.

Each time information is released or distributed from a child’s record the following information shall be recorded: the name, signature, and position of the person releasing or distributing the information; the date; the portions of the record which were distributed or released; the purpose of such distribution or release; the signature of the person to whom the information is distributed or released.

Such log shall be available only to the child’s parent(s) and program personnel responsible for record maintenance.

Amending the Child’s Record

A child’s parent(s) shall have the right to add information, comments, data or any other relevant materials to the child’s record.

If the parent is of the opinion that adding information is not sufficient to explain, clarify, or correct objectionable material in the child’s record, the parent shall have the right to have a conference with the Director to make his objections known;

The Director shall, within one week after the conference, render to the parent(s) a decision in writing stating the reasons for the decision. If the decision is in favor of the parent(s), steps shall be taken immediately to put the decision into effect.

School Cancellation Policy

The Child Study Center will be closed due to snow or other emergencies when Pine Manor College closes. If the college has a delayed opening, the CSC will be closed.

Please tune to the following for information on school closings:

WBZ-AM NEW RADIO 1030 AND NEWS 4 NEW ENGLAND. WBZ-AM NEWS RADIO 1030 will announce cancellations twice per hour (:05 and :35) starting at 5:00 a.m.

WCVB-CHANNEL 5- Continuous coverage from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.. Cancellations also run during their news programs throughout the day.

WFXT-Fox 25-Continuous coverage beginning at 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. You can also go to: myfoxboston.com and find this information posted.

Tuition Rates

September 4, 2015 – June 19, 2016

Half Day Session
7:30 am - 12:00 pm

5 Half Days $9,992

3 Half Days $6,158

Extended Day Session
7:30 am - 2:30 pm

5 Ext. Days $14,470

3 Ext. Days $8,958

Full Day Session
7:30 am - 5:30 pm

5 Full Days $17,425

3 Full Days $10,731

Discounts:
2nd sibling: 20%
3rd sibling: 50%
PMC alumnae:25%
PMC full time faculty and staff who work 28 hours or more per week: 25%
PMC students who are registered for 12 credits or more per semester and are in good academic standing will receive a 50% discount.

Tuition is paid in two installments. One-half of the annual tuition is due no later than June 1, 2015 and the balance is due by January 15, 2016.

Tuition Policy

Deposit

A non-refundable deposit of $500 secures placement during the admission process. This deposit is applied to the first tuition payment. Checks should be made payable to Pine Manor College and mailed to the Business Office, Pine Manor College, 400 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-2332 or payments may be made online at http://www.pmc.edu/csc-onlinepayment.

Tuition Plan

Tuition is due June 1st for the first half of the year or the fall semester (September through January) and January 15th for the second half of the year, spring semester (February through June).

Financial Need Payment Plan

If a family is having difficulty meeting the payment deadlines, the parent or guardian should meet with the Director of the Child Study Center. Payment plan decisions are at the discretion of the Director and may be extended to include between 2 and 10 payments per year. The fee for requesting a payment plan is $25.

Late Fees

Failure to pay bills on time will result in late fees. All bills must be paid by the 1st of the month with the exception of January when the deadline is January 15th. After the 15th, a $100 fee will be charged to the account. After 30 days, if fees have not been paid appropriately, child care services will be terminated and outstanding charges will be turned over to a collection agency.

Withdrawal and Refunds

The Child Study Center requires a 30 day withdrawal notification. Refunds on tuition will be pro- rated based on the number of weeks remaining in the semester. No refunds will be given unless a 30 day notice of withdrawal is given to the Director of the Child Study Center. Anyone who withdraws between June 1st and Sept. 15th will be refunded when the vacancy has been filled by a new student. If the vacancy is not filled by October 15th, no refund will be granted.

Discounts

Sibling discounts and discounts for PMC alumnae, faculty, staff, and students are all available. If more than one discount applies, the higher one will be used. Only one discount applies per student. Second siblings receive a 20% discount. Please see the tuition rates for details on other discounts.

Circle Time - a large group meeting with announcements, attendance, and discussion. Stories, finger plays, and music and movement

10:25 - 10:55

Special Activities - theme related projects are offered at this time.

10:55 - 11:00

Clean up time and prepare to go outside.

11:00 - 12:00

Outside Play - children use the playground daily. In the event of inclement weather, indoor gross motor activities are offered in the CSC or in the college gym. Sometimes rainy day walks are taken to the library on campus.

12:00 - 12:35

Wash hands. Eat lunch.

12:35 - 12:45

Quiet Time - children transition to their mats and may look at books.

12:45 - 1:45

Rest Time.

1:45 - 2:30

Free Play - choice of learning centers / outdoor play if weather permits

2:30 - 3:00

Large Group Time - stories, music, and table activities

3:00 - 3:30

Snack Time.

3:30 - 4:00

Special Activities or Theme Related projects
Playground Play (weather permitting)

4:00 - 5:00

Free Play - choice of different learning centers / outdoor play if weather permits